ES2847879T3 - Adjustable plunger dose stop - Google Patents

Abstract

A syringe (111, 211, 311, 1011), comprising: a body (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 1021) for receiving a medicine; a collar (141, 241, 441, 541, 641, 741, 921, 941, 981, 1041) rotatably arranged on said body (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 1021); a plunger (161, 261, 961, 1061) arranged in, and movable with respect to, said collar (141, 241, 441, 541, 641, 741, 921, 941, 981, 1041); Said collar (141, 241, 441, 541, 641, 741, 921, 941, 981, 1041) is rotatable to establish a desired dose of the drug by axially moving said collar (141, 241, 441, 541, 641, 741, 921, 941, 981, 1041) with respect to said body (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 1021) by the rotational movement of said collar (141, 241, 441, 541, 641, 741, 921, 941, 981, 1041) with respect to said body (121, 221, 321, 421, 521, 621, 721, 821, 1021); said plunger (161, 261, 961, 1061) is axially movable with respect to said collar (141, 241, 441, 541, 641, 741, 921, 941, 981, 1041) to selectively attract the drug according to said established desired dose , and dispense the medicine; a second mechanical stop (149, 245, 1049) is an end of the collar arranged in said body to stop the axial movement of said plunger with respect to said body according to a position of said collar with respect to said body when the drug is attracted, to limit the drawn medicament to said set desired dose defined by axial movement of said plunger from a first mechanical stop 1 (128, 228, 1028) to said second mechanical stop, characterized in that the first mechanical stop (128, 228, 1028) is a reduced diameter part of the syringe body arranged in said body to define a position of said plunger with respect to said body before drawing in the medicament.

Description

DESCRIPTION

Adjustable plunger dose stop

Field of the invention

The present invention relates generally to an adjustable plunger dose stop for controlling dosing. More particularly, the present invention relates to an adjustable plunger dose stop for a syringe. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a syringe having an adjustable collar that limits translation of the plunger when a dose is drawn, thereby controlling the dosage.

Background of the invention

Users of existing syringes generally must visually measure the level of liquid medication drawn from a container to the syringe using scale marks while the dose is being drawn. There is a need for a syringe in which the user does not have to continuously visually monitor the scale markings while drawing a dose.

The amount of a dose is determined by the volume of liquid medication drawn into the syringe. The scale marks run perpendicular to the long axis of the syringe. Scale markings can be difficult to read, making accurate dosing difficult. Accordingly, there is a need for a syringe in which the dose setting is easily seen and determined.

What's more, the user determines the amount of liquid medication drawn into the syringe. Thus, when the user is not being careful, too little or too much medication can be drawn into the syringe. Accordingly, there is a need for a syringe in which a precise dose is easily drawn into the syringe.

Document US 2005/0263543 describes a syringe, comprising a body in which a liquid is stored and a rotating collar arranged in said body. Rotating the collar moves a plunger, thereby dispensing the stored liquid.

In US 3343539 a syringe for attracting medication according to the preamble of claim 1 is described.

Compendium of the invention

The invention is defined by claim 1. An adjustable plunger dose stop is provided to control dosing.

One syringe has an adjustable plunger dose stop to control dosing.

A syringe has an adjustable collar that limits the translation of the plunger when a dose is drawn, thereby controlling the dosage.

A syringe having an adjustable plunger dose stop allows a user to select the desired dose before drawing liquid medication from a container and provides a mechanical stop that limits the amount of liquid medication drawn into the syringe by the plunger. Additionally, it is not necessary for the user to visually measure liquid medication using scale marks as needed when using existing syringes.

Eliminating the need for scale marks on the syringe achieves several advantages. The syringe barrel can be shorter and wider, thereby allowing the overall length of the syringe to be shortened. Only the selected dose setting number can be made visible to the user, thereby providing an easy to use syringe. The dose setting number can be oriented along the axis of the syringe, thereby providing an easier and better view of the dose setting.

The above objectives are achieved by a syringe that includes a body for receiving a drug and a collar rotatably arranged on the body. The collar is rotatable to set a desired dose. A plunger is movably arranged in the collar. The plunger is movable to attract and dispense the liquid medicine.

The above objectives are also obtained by a syringe that includes a body having a first part and a second part. The second part receives a liquid medicine. A collar is rotatably arranged in or on the body. The collar is rotatable to set a desired dose. A plunger rod is movably connected to the collar. A plug is provided at one end of the plunger rod to facilitate the attraction and dispensing of the liquid drug.

The above objectives are also achieved by a method of injecting a liquid medicine with a syringe. A collar is rotated relative to a syringe body in which the collar is disposed to establish a desired dose. A plunger is moved axially in a first direction with respect to the collar to attract the liquid medicine to syringe body. The plunger is moved axially in a second direction relative to the collar to dispense the liquid medicament from the syringe body.

The objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, describes exemplary embodiments of the invention.

As used in this application, the terms "front", "rear", "top", "bottom", "up", "down" and other orientation descriptors are intended to facilitate description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the structure thereof to any particular position or orientation.

Brief description of the drawings

The above benefits and other advantages of the various embodiments of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and from the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a syringe in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is an elevational view of a collar and plunger assembly of the syringe of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an elevation view of a syringe body according to the syringe of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a rear elevational view of the collar nut of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is an elevational view of an assembled syringe in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention including the collar and plunger assembly of Figure 2 and the syringe body of Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a syringe in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment in which a sleeve having a cutout therein is disposed on an outer surface of the syringe body;

Figure 8 is an elevational view of a collar having dose numbers disposed on an outer surface thereof;

Figure 9 is an elevational view of a syringe body having dose numbers disposed on an outer surface thereof;

Figure 10 is an elevational view of a collar having an externally threaded groove;

Figure 11 is an elevational view of a syringe body having a positive internal thread groove to receive the collar of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is an elevational view of a collar having a positive external thread groove;

Figure 13 is an elevational view of a syringe body having an internally threaded groove to receive the collar of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a partial cross-sectional elevation view of a collar having a protrusion for threadably engaging thread grooves of a syringe body;

Figure 15 is an elevational view of a syringe body having a protrusion for threadably receiving threaded grooves of a collar;

Figure 16 is an elevational view of a sleeve disposed on a syringe body;

Figure 17 is an elevational view of a collar having a plurality of ribs disposed on the handle; Figure 18 is an elevational view of a collar having a cylinder extending therefrom to receive a sterility cap;

Figure 19 is an elevation view of a sterility cap connected to a collar;

Figure 20 is an elevational view of a sterility cap having a hexagonal shaped handle without a cylinder extending therefrom;

Figure 21 is a perspective view of a syringe in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 22 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the syringe of Figure 21;

Figure 23 is a perspective view of a syringe body of the syringe of Figure 21; and

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a collar of the syringe of Figure 21.

Throughout the drawings, it should be understood that like reference numerals refer to like parts, components, and structures.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1-5, a syringe 111 includes a syringe body 121, a collar 141 rotationally and axially movable with respect to the syringe body 121, and a plunger 161 movable with relative to collar 141. All of these components are preferably made of suitable plastic material (s). A metal needle 181 is connected to the syringe body 121. From a container (not shown), medication is drawn through the needle 181 to the syringe body 121 and injected from the syringe body through the needle, such as through an injection site. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are applicable to any type of syringe, such as an insulin syringe or other type of syringe, such as for dispensing growth hormone or anesthesia. The syringe may have an integral barrel to provide a permanently attached needle, or it may have a threaded, snap-fit, or other barrel design to provide a removable needle. Needle 181 can also be removed if desired.

The syringe 111 has a window 123 through which the dose setting is exposed, preferably in large numbers that are easy for a user to see, learn and use, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The user regulates the dose. desired dose and then draws the liquid medication by pulling plunger 161 out of syringe body 121 until the plunger engages a mechanical stop, such as collar 141, thereby limiting the amount of medication drawn into the syringe to the set dose . In existing syringes, the plunger is withdrawn until a cap is aligned with scale marks, corresponding to dose settings, that are arranged on the syringe body in a direction perpendicular to the direction of withdrawal of the plunger.

Collar 141 is rotationally and axially movable with respect to syringe body 121, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Threads 143 of collar 141 are provided on an outer surface 142. A hole 146 passes through collar 141 from a first end 148 to a second end 149 to receive piston rod 163 therethrough. The outer surface 142 of collar 141 has a plurality of indicators 145, corresponding to the dose setting, disposed proximal to threads 143. Indicators 145 may be in fractions of a unit, individual units, or multiple units. Indicators can be numerals, symbols, or Braille to facilitate use by users with disabilities. Alternatively, the gauges can be displayed digitally. At the first end 148 of collar 141 a handle 147 is provided to facilitate rotation of collar 141 by a user to set the dose. Second end 149 of collar 141 has a smaller diameter than first end 148 and acts as a mechanical stop for plunger 161 when the plunger is pulled out of collar 141 to attract medication from a container to syringe body 121, thereby limiting mode the amount of medication drawn into the syringe at the set dose.

Preferably, collar hole 146 and plunger rod 163 are substantially circular so that rotation of plunger rod 163 does not result in unwanted rotation of collar 141, which could affect the set dose. Consequently, the plunger rod 163 is free to rotate in the hole 146 without resulting in rotation of the collar 141, that is, the plunger 161 moves independently of the collar 141. Thus, when a user rotates the plunger to attract or inject liquid medication, the collar does not rotate with the plunger or affect dose setting. Alternatively, hole 146 is guided to prevent rotational movement of plunger rod 163 relative to collar 141. For example, collar hole 146 and plunger rod 123 can be substantially hexagonal in shape, although any can be used. appropriate form. Thus, the shape-fitted piston rod 163 rotates with the rotation of the collar 141, and the shape-fitted piston rod 163 is axially movable without moving the collar 141. For example, as shown in Figure 6, the piston 261 it is guided into the collar 241 so that the plunger grip 247 acts as a collar grip. Rotation of plunger grip 267 results in rotation of collar 241 relative to syringe 211 without resulting in axial movement of plunger 261. Plunger grip 267 is rotated until the desired dose is established.

The syringe body 121 has a first part 122 and a second part 124, as shown in Figures 1 and 3. The first part 122 receives liquid medication and the second part receives the collar 141, as shown in Figure 1. Preferably, the first and second parts are integrally formed such that the syringe body is a single unitary member. Alternatively, the first part 122 can be connected to the second part 124 so that after an injection the first part can be removed and properly disposed of while retaining the second part for further use. The first part 122 may be removably connected to the second part 124 in any suitable manner, including, but not limited to, locking tabs, snap clips, threads, or a grooved release feature that is retained by an O-ring. or bearing housing in the second part 124. The sealing gasket 171 has a neck that extends along the length of the first disposable part 122 to prevent the second part from contacting the fluid path. A plug or sealing gasket 171 has an internal feature that accepts the tip of the plunger rod 163, as shown in Figure 2, and can be assembled and disassembled. Alternatively, the seal 271 and the piston rod 263 may be unitarily formed as a single plastic piece, as in the piston 261 of Figure 6. The first part 122 has a wall at one end that prevents the seal from The seal exits the syringe body when the disposable tip is removed from the first part 122 and the plunger. A diameter of the second part 124 is larger than a diameter of the first part 122, as shown in Figures 1 and 3.

The syringe may be an integrated unit having a shield at the needle end of the first disposable portion 122 that protects the needle and includes sealing rings that provide a sterility barrier. When the first disposable part 122 is contained in a container that provides a sterility barrier then the shield may or may not provide a sterility barrier. The first disposable part is contained in a cover that is closed with a cap or label that seals and provides the sterility barrier. Alternatively, the gasket can be provided at the end of the housing that contains medicine and provides the sterility barrier.

Alternatively, the syringe body can be of a single diameter over its entire length and the collar can be of a single diameter over its entire length.

The first part 122 of the syringe body 121 is preferably transparent so that the medicine is visible to the user and after an injection the user can verify that the medicine has been injected. The second part 124 of the syringe body 121 has a window 123 that exposes the desired dose setting. The second part 124 of the syringe body 121 may be of a non-transparent colored material and the window 123 is formed by the absence of material. Alternatively, window 123 is formed by rendering the surface of second portion 124 non-transparent except for a window 123 that exposes a single dose setting. Alternatively, a label having a cutout window is provided on the second portion 124 of the syringe body 121. Alternatively, a band of ink is applied to the second portion 124 that exposes only the desired dose setting. Alternatively, the window is positioned at one end of the syringe body 121 such that a cutout is formed on only three sides of the window.

The plunger may have an integral stop feature, such as flange 265 in Figure 6, that prevents the plunger from moving past the collar and opens the syringe housing to the appropriate volume to deliver the set dose. Alternatively, the gasket bottoms out against the collar, as shown in Figures 2 and 5, which regulates the amount of medicine attracted.

The plunger can be moved independently of the collar. Alternatively, the plunger can be shaped into the collar so that the plunger handle serves as the collar grip.

Internal threads 129 are disposed on an inner surface of second portion 124 of syringe body 121, as shown in Figure 3, and engage the threads 143 on outer surface 142 of collar 141 for rotational and axial movement of the collar with respect to. to the syringe body 121. The threads 129 may extend along a portion of the inner surface of the syringe body 121 as shown in Figure 3, extending along the entire inner surface of the syringe body, or a single slit may be used that receives the threads 143 of collar 141 as shown in Figure 11. A window 123 in the second portion 124 of the syringe body 121 allows a user to view the dose setting indicators 145 as the collar 141 is rotated out of the syringe body. The dose setting indicator 145 visible in window 123 corresponds to the dose setting. The second portion 124 of the syringe body 121 may be opaque, marked with ink, or any other suitable means may be used so that only the dose setting indicator visible through the window 123 is visible. For example, the second part 124 of syringe body 121 can be textured so that only the dose setting indicator positioned in window 123 is visible.

An inner surface 127 of the syringe body proximal to a second end 126 thereof 121 has internal threads (not shown) to receive a needle connector assembly, such as by a luer lock. Alternatively, a needle may be connected to the second end 126 of the syringe body 121 during manufacture. Accordingly, the needle can be permanently attached or detachable, such as by a luer lock. As a further alternative, the syringe can be used without a needle, such as to administer a fluid through an intravenous line via a needleless valve, port, or injection site.

Plunger 161 includes a plunger rod 163 axially movable with respect to collar 141. A first end 165 of plunger rod 163 has a plunger head 167 disposed external to collar 141. Plunger head 167 is larger than the bore of collar 146 to prevent the first end 165 of the plunger from entering the bore. A second end 166 of plunger rod 163 is disposed externally of collar 141 and within syringe body 121.

The separate rubber seal, or plug, 171 is disposed at a second end 166 of the plunger 161. The seal 171 is movable within the syringe body 121 between a first position in a reduced diameter portion 128 of the syringe body. syringe and a second position in the mechanical stop at the second end 149 of the collar 141. Seal 171 creates a fluid seal within syringe body 121 that prevents liquid medication from passing past the seal.

A shield member may be provided at the needle end of the syringe that is movable along an axis of the syringe. The guard member is adjustable to expose a variable length of needle as needed. For example, the shield member can be fully retracted to expose the entire needle length to attract medication from a container. When the medication is delivered, the shield member can be adjusted to a position where less of the needle is exposed. After the medication has been delivered, the shield member can be moved to a position where the entire needle is covered, thereby providing a safety shield to prevent accidental needle sticks.

To perform an injection, the desired dose to be injected is set with the adjustable collar 141. Initially, the seal 171 is in the first position engaging the reduced diameter portion 128 of the syringe body. Collar handle 147 is rotated, thereby axially moving collar 141 out of syringe body 121. When the dose indicator 145 corresponding to the desired dose setting appears in window 123, the desired dose is ready to be drawn to. the first part 122 of the syringe body 121. The larger the dose to be delivered, the farther the collar 141 moves out of the syringe body 121 and the further from the reduced diameter part 128 of the syringe body 121 the second end 149 of collar 141. Plunger 161 can be pulled rearward to draw air into syringe body 121.

Needle 181 is inserted (typically through a septum) into a container, such as an insulin vial, in which the liquid medication to be delivered is stored. When the plunger 161 has been drawn back to draw air into the syringe body 121, the plunger 161 is pushed in to expel the air and seat the seal 171 against the reduced diameter portion 128 of the syringe body 121. The plunger head 167 is drawn out of the collar 141, thereby moving the seal 171 rearward, until the seal 171 abuts the second end 149 of the collar 141, thereby limiting further movement of the plunger 161 Preferably, a locking means (not shown) prevents rotation of collar 141 while plunger 161 is drawn outward, thereby preventing accidental changes to the set dose. The amount of medication drawn into the syringe body 121 corresponds to the dose setting visible in window 123.

To inject the attracted dose, plunger 161 is pushed back into collar 141 until seal 171 returns to the first position abutting the reduced diameter portion 128 of syringe body 121, thereby preventing further inward movement. of the plunger. Alternatively, the dose can be injected by rotating the adjustable collar 141 back to the first (or zero) position.

When needle 181 is integrally connected to syringe body 121, syringe 111 is properly disposed of after an injection. When a needle connector assembly is used with the syringe body, as shown in Figures 2-5, the needle connector assembly can be removed and properly disposed of so that the syringe can be reused. The needle connector assembly can be unscrewed from the syringe body to be disposed of. Alternatively, the first part 122 of the syringe can be threadedly connected to the second part 124 so that the first part 122 can be removed from the second part 124 and the first part can be properly disposed of. The second part 124 of the syringe body 121, the collar 141 and the plunger 161 can then be reused.

A lens, magnifying glass, or other similar device may be disposed over window 123 in syringe body 121 to increase the size of the dose setting indicator 145 to a user, thereby further facilitating the readability of the dose setting indicator. dose.

Means may be provided to control the rotation of the collar 141 so that the dose setting indicator 145 is centered in the window 123. Such means may also allow rotation between dose setting indicators 145 so that target positions are substantially prevented. collar between dose establishments. Additionally, locking means may be provided to prevent movement of collar 141, thereby substantially preventing accidental change of dose setting.

Fixator features may be provided on syringe body 121 and collar 141 to facilitate rotational alignment of the collar for the desired dose. Syringe body 121 may include at least one flexible bar that engages collar fasteners 141. Overcoming fastener force creates audible and / or tactile prompts to indicate proper orientation of collar 141 when graduating a dose, preventing from thereby substantially graduating a dose between dose settings. Adjustable collar 141 may have fasteners that accept one or more spring plungers that are assembled to the barrel of the syringe.

An indicator may be provided to indicate to a user that plunger 161 has hit the dosing stop (seal 171 reseating in reduced diameter end 128 of syringe body 121), thereby substantially preventing the user from injecting. entire desired dose. A window may provide viewing access to a mark on the plunger rod, or an audible click or other suitable means may be provided to indicate that the plunger has hit the dispensing stop. Accordingly, the syringe may be provided with means for confirming dose delivery, such as, but not limited to, set indicators. Number of doses rotate decreasing to zero or an audible click when the dose set indicator reaches zero.

In another exemplary embodiment as shown in Figure 6, a syringe 211 has a collar 241 that is disposed entirely within a syringe body 221. On a plunger rod 263 of a plunger 261 a plunger flange 265 is provided. plunger rod 263 passes through first end 243 of collar 241 and exits through second end 245 of collar. Plunger flange 265 abuts second end 245 of collar 241. Second end 245 of collar 241 may be recessed to substantially prevent damage by plunger flange 265 abutting the second end. Dose setting indicators 246 are provided on an outer surface of collar 241 and are visible through a window formed in syringe body 221. Threads 249 formed on outer surface 247 of collar 241 engage threads 223 formed on an inner surface 225 of the syringe body.

Plunger rod 263 is guided to fit collar 241 such that rotation of the plunger rod results in rotational and axial movement of the collar, and axial movement of the plunger rod does not move the collar. The plunger rod 263 can have a substantially hexagonal shape and the collar hole can have a corresponding hexagonal shape. However, any suitable way can be used. Rotation of plunger rod 263 causes collar 241 to rotate within syringe body 221 without resulting in axial movement of plunger 261. Plunger rod 263 may be connected to a plug or seal 271 so that rotation Plunger 261 does not rotate plug 271.

To perform an injection, the desired dose to be injected is graduated with the adjustable collar 241 as the collar is rotated relative to the syringe body 221. Initially, the seal 271 is in a first position engaging a reduced diameter portion 228 of the body. 221, as shown in Figure 6. Plunger 261 is rotated, thereby rotating collar 241 resulting in rearward axial movement of collar 241 through syringe body 221. dose 246 corresponding to the desired dose setting appears in the window of the syringe body 221, the desired dose of liquid medication is ready to be drawn into the syringe body 221. The larger the dose to be delivered, the further the collar 241 rearward (toward a first end 229) in syringe body 221. Plunger 261 is pulled rearward through collar 241 and syringe body 221 until Flange 265 abuts second end 245 of collar 241. Plunger 261 is then pushed axially back into syringe body 221 until seal 271 engages reduced diameter portion 228 of syringe body 221. When the Plunger is moved axially, the shape engagement between plunger rod 263 and collar 241 allows axial movement of plunger 261 without resulting collar movement. A stop may be provided to prevent the plunger from being fully withdrawn from the syringe body 221.

Needle 281 is inserted (typically through a septum) into a container in which the liquid medication to be delivered is stored. Plunger 261 is pulled axially rearward, thereby moving seal 271 rearward and away from reduced diameter portion 228 of syringe body 221. Plunger 261 is pulled axially rearward until plunger shoulder 265 abuts second end 245 of collar 241, thereby limiting further movement of plunger 261. Preferably, a locking means prevents rotation of collar 241 when plunger 261 is being drawn outward while drawing medication, thereby preventing accidental changes to the established dose. The amount of medication drawn to the syringe body 221 corresponds to the dose setting visible in the window of the syringe body 221.

Before drawing the dose, the plunger 261 can be moved back to draw a dose of air into the syringe body. Once needle 281 is inserted into the container, plunger 261 is pushed axially to reseat seal 271 in syringe body 221, thereby dissipating drawn air from syringe body 221.

To inject the attracted dose, plunger 261 is axially pushed back into syringe body 221 until seal 271 abuts the reduced diameter portion 228 of syringe body 221, thereby preventing further inward movement of the plunger. .

A spring may be provided between the first end 243 of the collar 241 and the plunger handle 267 to facilitate the attraction of medication into the syringe body. After the collar is moved to the desired dose setting, plunger 261 is pushed axially into syringe body 221, thereby compressing the spring between plunger grip 267 and first end 243 of collar 241. When pulled axially of plunger 261 out of the syringe body to attract medication to the syringe body, the spring facilitates axial rearward movement of plunger 261.

As shown in Figure 6, the threads 249 are disposed at opposite ends on the outer surface 247 of the collar 241. Alternatively, threads may be provided only proximal to a first end 243 of the collar 241, only proximal to a second end 245 of the collar, or continuously along the outer surface 247 of the collar. Alternatively, threads 249 may be disposed on an internal surface of collar 241 in a similar manner.

A sleeve 331, label, or other suitable member having a cutout 333 therein may be provided on the outer surface of syringe body 321 to function as a window dose setting indicator, as shown in Figure 7. A flange 335 may be provided on the sleeve 331 to facilitate grip of the syringe 311 during use.

As shown in Figure 8, a collar 441 may have dose setting indicators 445 disposed on an outer surface 442 thereof. Alternatively, dose setting indicators 425 are disposed on an outer surface 422 of a syringe body 421, as shown in Figure 9.

As shown in Figure 10, a collar 541 may have a groove 543 disposed on an outer surface 542 thereof. A positive thread 523 is disposed on an inner surface 522 of a syringe body 521, as shown in Figure 11, and receives the collar groove 543. As the handle 547 of the collar 541 is rotated, the collar is translated into the syringe body 521, thereby establishing the translation limit for the plunger and the allowable amount of fluid that can be drawn. Alternatively, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, a collar 641 may have a positive thread 643 disposed on an outer surface 642 thereof. On an inner surface 622 of a syringe body 621 a groove 623 is provided to receive the collar thread 643.

A collar 741 may have threads 743 disposed on an inner surface 742 thereof, as shown in Figure 14. Threads 723 are provided on an outer surface 722 of a syringe body 721 to rotatably receive the collar 741. Within the body of Syringe 721 is provided with a collar hole 746 and is adapted to receive a plunger. Accordingly, by arranging the outer dosing knob at the non-patient end of the syringe body, threads on the inside of the syringe body are eliminated.

At least one prominence 823 may be formed on an outer surface 822 of a syringe body 821, as shown in Figure 15, to guide a collar. The bulge 823 can be molded into the syringe body 821. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 16, the bulge 823 can be formed on the outer surface 822 of the syringe body 821 by a sleeve 831 or snap-fit pin. The barrel may contain one or more cutouts to accept one or more plugs, each of which contains a feature at one end that is formed to engage the groove of the collar.

As shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, the collar grip 147 may have a substantially hexagonal shape that is easily used by a user who has dexterity limitations. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 17, a collar 921 may have a handle 927 having a plurality of ribs 925 that run substantially parallel to the rotational axis of collar 921. The ribs 927 are easily grasped by a user who has limitations of skill. Accordingly, collar grip 927 provides means to facilitate control of the syringe during use. Alternatively, means may be provided on the syringe body to facilitate control of the syringe during use, such as flange 335 provided on sleeve 331 on syringe body 321 shown in Figure 7.

A handle 947 of a collar 941 may have a substantially cylindrical protrusion 945 extending outwardly therefrom, as shown in Figures 18 and 19. A cap 951 is received by protrusion 945 to form a sterility barrier to the fluid path. Cap 951 may cover plunger grip 967 and may have an inner ring 953 that engages projection 945, as shown in Figure 19, to form a sterility barrier between plunger 961 and collar 941. On an outer surface 942 of collar 941 a plurality of rings 949 may be provided to form a sterility barrier between the syringe body (such as the syringe body 521 of Figure 11) and the collar. Alternatively, when the syringe package (such as syringe 111 of Figure 1) provides the sterility barrier, a collar 981 does not have a protrusion extending from a handle 987.

In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 21-24, a syringe 1011 includes a syringe body 1021, a collar 141 movable rotationally and axially relative to the syringe body 1021, and a plunger 1061 movable with relative to collar 1041. A needle 1081 is connected to syringe body 1021. Medication is drawn from a container through needle 1081 to syringe body 1021 and injected from the syringe body through the needle to a injection. Syringe 1011 may have an integral barrel to provide a permanently attached needle, or it may have a threaded, snap-fit, or other barrel design to provide a removable needle. Alternatively, needle 1081 can be completely removed.

Syringe 1011 has a window 1023 through which the dose setting is exposed, preferably in large numbers that are easy for a user to see, learn, and use, as shown in Figure 21. The user sets the desired dose. by rotating collar knob 1047 relative to syringe body 1021. From syringe body 1095, ridges 1021 may extend outwardly to grip syringe 1011 during use. Medicine can then be drawn from a container by pulling plunger 1061 back out of syringe body 1021 until the plunger hits a mechanical stop, thereby limiting the amount of medication drawn into the syringe to the set dose. As shown in Figures 22 and 24, rearward movement of plunger 1061 stops when plug 1071 abuts a second end 1049 of collar 1041.

The collar 1041 is rotationally and axially movable with respect to the syringe body 1021. Threads 1089 of the collar 1041 are provided on an outer surface 142. A hole 1046 passes through the collar 1041 from a first end 1048 to the second end 1049 to receive the piston rod 1063 therethrough. The surface The exterior 1042 of the collar 1041 has a plurality of indicators 1045, corresponding to the dose setting, disposed proximal to the threads. Indicators 1045 can be fractions of a unit, individual units, or multiple units. Indicators can be numerals, symbols, or Braille to facilitate use by users with disabilities. Alternatively, the gauges can be displayed digitally. A handle 1047 is provided at the first end 1048 of the collar 1041 to facilitate rotation of the collar 1041 by a user to set the dose. Second end 1049 of collar 1041 has a smaller diameter than first end 1048 and acts as a mechanical stop for plunger 1061 when the plunger is pulled out of collar 1041 to attract medication from a container to syringe body 1021, thereby limiting mode the amount of medication drawn into the syringe at the set dose.

The collar hole 1046 can be shaped to prevent rotational movement of the plunger rod 163 relative to the collar 1041. Accordingly, the collar 1041 is substantially prevented from accidentally rotating so that a set dose is not accidentally altered by non-rotation. of collar 1041.

Syringe body 1021 has a first part 1022 and a second part 1024, as shown in Figures 21-23. A diameter of the second part 10 24 is preferably larger than a diameter of the first part 1022. The first part 1022 receives medication and the second part receives the collar 1041, as shown in Figures 21 and 22. Preferably, the parts first and second are integrally formed such that the syringe body is a single unitary member. A separate rubber plug or seal 1071 is provided in the first part 1022 of the syringe body 1021, as shown in Figure 22 to substantially prevent the second part 1024 from contacting in the fluid path. Plug 1071 has an opening 1072 that accepts the tip of plunger rod 1066, as shown in Figure 22, and can be assembled and disassembled. Other configurations can be used to connect piston rod 1063 to plug 1071 to facilitate independent rotation of the piston rod with respect to the plug and to allow the piston rod and plug to move together axially. For example, a ball may be formed at the end of plunger rod 1063 which is received in a cavity within the plug and an opening to access the cavity is smaller than the plug opening, thereby substantially preventing the stem from plunger is removed from the plug.

The first part 1022 of the syringe body 1021 is preferably transparent so that the medicine is visible to the user and after an injection the user can verify that the medicine has been injected. The second part 1024 of the syringe body 1021 has a window 1023 that exposes the desired dose setting.

Internal threads 1087 are provided on an inner surface of the second portion 1024 of the syringe body 1021, and the threads engage the outer surface 1042 of the collar 1041 for rotational and axial movement of the collar relative to the syringe body 1021. A window 1023 in second portion 1024 of syringe body 1021 allows a user to view dose setting indicators 1045 as collar 1041 is rotated out of syringe body 1021. Dose setting indicator 1045 visible in window 1023 corresponds to setting dose.

Plunger 1061 includes a plunger rod 1063 axially movable relative to collar 1041. A first end 1065 of plunger rod 1063 has a plunger head 1067 disposed external to collar 1041. Plunger head 1067 is larger than the bore of collar 1046 to prevent the first end 1065 of the plunger from entering the bore. A second end 1066 of plunger rod 1063 is disposed externally of collar 1041 and within plug 1071 on syringe body 1021.

The plug, or seal, 1071 connects to the second end 1066 of the plunger rod 1063. The plug 1071 is movable within the syringe body 1021 between a first position in a reduced diameter portion 1028 of the syringe body and a second position in mechanical stop at second end 1049 of collar 1041. Plug 1071 creates a seal within syringe body 1021 that prevents medication from passing past the seal.

To perform an injection, the desired dose to be injected is graduated with the adjustable collar 1041. Initially, the cap 1071 is in the first position engaging the reduced diameter portion 1028 of the syringe body, as shown in Figure 22. The handle collar 1047 is rotated, thereby axially moving collar 1041 out of syringe body 1021. When the dose indicator 1045 corresponding to the desired dose setting appears in window 1023, the desired dose is ready to be drawn to the first part. 1022 of the syringe body 1021. The larger the dose to be delivered, the further the collar 1041 moves out of the syringe body 1021 and the further it moves the second end 1049 from the reduced diameter portion 1028 of the syringe body 1021 collar 1041.

Needle 1081 is inserted (typically through a septum) into a container, such as an insulin vial, in which the liquid medication to be delivered is stored. Plunger head 1067 is pulled out of collar 1041, thereby moving plug 1071 rearward, until plug 1071 abuts second end 1049 of collar 1041, thereby limiting further movement of piston rod 1063. The amount of medication drawn into the syringe body 1021 corresponds to the dose setting visible in window 1023.

To inject the attracted dose, plunger 1061 is pushed back into collar 1041 until the sealing gasket 1071 returns to the first position abutting the reduced diameter portion 1028 of the syringe body 1021, thereby preventing further inward movement of the plunger rod 1063.

A syringe can be provided having a hollow threaded post through which the plunger passes. The threaded handle has a grader handle disposed at the end thereof. The threaded post is secured to the barrel such that the threaded post can only rotate relative to the barrel and axial movement of the threaded post is substantially impeded. A collar; which is not free to rotate by means of a feature fitted by shape and slot in the barrel, it is translated on the threaded post. As the gauge handle and threaded post rotate, the collar travels up and down the threaded post to serve as a stop for the plunger.

A two-piece cap can be used to provide sterility. A first piece of the cap is removable. The second piece of the cap remains on the syringe and has a slit that serves as a window for dose setting.

A slit may be formed in the syringe body to function as a window for viewing the dose setting.

A plurality of small bulges may be provided on the syringe body to facilitate the snapping of a needle assembly to the syringe body.

The syringe housing may have scale marks on it indicating the amount of liquid medicine for reference.

The syringe body may include a threaded member integrated with the syringe housing during manufacture to provide the threaded feature. The sealing gasket can be assembled into the syringe body at the patient (needle) end before the needle assembly is integrated with the syringe housing and the plunger can be assembled from the opposite end of the syringe housing. Alternatively, the gasket can be assembled from the end of the syringe housing opposite the patient (needle) end.

A prefilled liquid medicine cartridge can be loaded into the syringe housing.

Two adjustable knobs can be provided on the syringe. The first knob adjusts the dose setting's tens digit, that is, graduations the dose to discrete locations at 10, 20, 30 etc. The second knob adjusts the ones digit and rotates in or around the first knob. This arrangement maintains a compact syringe diameter and allows dose setting units from 1 to 100. The first and / or second knobs can also be translated instead of rotating on a helix, and preset locations can be clicked along. length of the syringe body.

The adjustable knob may have a movable or detachable component that engages with the back of the seal when the member contacts the seal during aspiration. The component can be connected by snap fit, magnetically or in any other suitable manner. When the plunger is depressed, the component moves with the seal, thereby providing the user with a visual indication that the plunger has been fully pulled back.

One or more tracks having fixatives can be used to facilitate obtaining the desired dose.

The syringe can accommodate needles of various lengths and gauges, including, but not limited to, microneedles. Alternatively, the syringe can be used without a needle, such as to administer a fluid through an intravenous line via a needleless valve, port, or injection site.

The syringe can be made of a variety of materials, such as, but not limited to, plastic or glass. The syringe can be made in any color. The barrel and cap materials of the syringe can be made of materials that allow the attracted medication to be stored in the syringe for future delivery of medication without causing degradation or loss of potency of the medication.

The syringe may have safety features to prevent accidental needle sticks and / or needle reuse. The syringe may have a self-disabling feature to prevent reuse.

The syringe may include a feature to facilitate graduation and drawing of a first dose from a first container and then graduation and withdrawal of a dose from a second container to hold medication mixture, such as insulin mixture.

The scale of the dose setting indicators can be a function of the intended use of the syringe, such as, but not limited to, U-100, U-40, and mL. Alternatively, the dose scale can be based on the weight of the patient. The scale is the weight of the patient, so the syringe calculates the volume and dosage instead of the healthcare professional. Certain characteristics of the syringe can vary by total dosage and the chosen scale, such as thread pitch, thread length, and diameters. The syringe can also hold various nominal volumes depending on the intended application.

A threaded coupling may be provided at the needle end of the syringe to accept a pen needle. The dose setting indicators can be in the form of an odometer that is driven by the plunger.

A single-use prefilled syringe can accommodate a variety of needle lengths, including 4mm, and has a depth stop. The plunger stop is on the side of the adjustable collar farthest from the needle. The plunger begins at the maximum retract position and when the plunger is depressed, the plunger can only be translated until it abuts against the adjustable collar set for the desired dose. After the dose has been delivered, the syringe can be discarded. Syringe capacity may vary depending on use. For example, the syringe may be sized to hold 10, 20, 30, or 50 units, but the size of the syringe is not limited to these examples.

Alternatively, the syringe can include a liquid medication, such as insulin, a refilled reservoir, and a metering dose. A valve plunger is used to dispense the desired amount of medication and a pressurized gas is used to provide proper activation. Alternatively, a flapper valve can be used to regulate the reservoir to allow delivery of the appropriate amount of medication. Alternatively, the reservoir can be divided into two chambers (usable and unusable chambers) by a sealing gasket or other suitable means. A fluid connection path connects the two chambers. The amount of medication is moved from the usable chamber to the unusable chamber so that only the appropriate amount of medication is delivered.

A syringe according to any of the exemplary embodiments can be prefilled or refilled by a user. A prefilled syringe may have a plunger stop disposed on the side of the adjustable collar furthest from the needle. The plunger starts at the maximum retract position. When the plunger is depressed, it can only travel until it abuts the adjustable collar set at the desired dose. Alternatively, rather than being discarded after a single use, the adjustable collar can be reset to deliver a subsequent dose. This can be achieved through the use of double cams or other suitable means. The syringe can include a septum and threads that accept a pen needle.

A syringe according to any of the exemplary embodiments can be refilled to accommodate multiple doses. The adjustable collar can be labeled to reflect set doses throughout the day. For example, the collar can be labeled with the numerals 1, 2, and 3 (or A, B, and C; or AM, PM, MT, and NT to reflect mealtime or nighttime; or any other suitable arrangement ). There may also be a line on the adjustable collar that widens in thickness as the collar rotates to allow the user to know that they are moving from one location to another. A sealing gasket may be provided on the adjustable collar to ensure that the fluid path remains sterile as the collar is translated into the barrel.

A syringe according to any of the exemplary embodiments may include a feature that facilitates the expulsion of air bubbles upon attracting the medication.

The syringe can be adapted for use with dry, powdered, or lyophilized medications, in addition to or in place of liquid medications.

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. The description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the present invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims (7)

1. A syringe (111, 211,311, 1011), comprising: a body (121, 221,321,421, 521,621,721,821, 1021) to receive a drug; a collar (141, 241,441, 541, 641, 741, 921, 941, 981, 1041) rotatably arranged in said body (121, 221, 321,421,521,621,721,821, 1021); a plunger (161,261,961, 1061) arranged in said collar, and movable with respect to it, (141,241,441,541,641, 741,921,941,981, 1041); said collar (141,241,441,541,641, 741,921,941,981, 1041) is rotatable to establish a desired dose of the drug by axially moving said collar (141, 241,441, 541, 641, 741, 921, 941, 981, 1041) with respect to said body (121,221,321,421,521,621,721,821, 1021) by the rotational movement of said collar (141,241, 441,541,641,741,921,941,981, 1041) with respect to said body (121,221,321,421,521,621,721,821, 1021); said plunger (161,261,961,1061) is axially movable with respect to said collar (141,241,441,541,641,741, 921,941,981, 1041) to selectively attract the drug according to said established desired dose, and dispense the drug; a second mechanical stop (149, 245, 1049) is an end of the collar arranged in said body to stop the axial movement of said plunger with respect to said body according to a position of said collar with respect to said body when the drug is attracted, to limit the attracted drug to said set desired dose defined by axial movement of said plunger from a first mechanical stop 1 (128, 228, 1028) to said second mechanical stop, characterized in that the first mechanical stop (128, 228, 1028) is a reduced diameter portion of the syringe body arranged in said body to define a position of said plunger with respect to said body before attracting the drug. 2. The syringe (111,211,311, 1011) according to claim 1, wherein said body (121, 221,321,421,521,621, 721, 821, 1021) has a first part (122, 1022) that has a first diameter and a second part (124, 1024) that has a second diameter, said second diameter is greater than said first diameter, and wherein the drug is preferably received in said first part (122, 1022) of said body (121,221,321,421,521,621,721,821, 1021). The syringe (111,211,311, 1011) according to claim 1, wherein said collar (141, 241, 441, 541, 641, 741, 921, 941, 981, 1041) is arranged entirely inside said body (121,221,321,421,521,621,721,821, 1021) and where preferably the rotation of said plunger (161,261,961, 1061) makes rotate said collar (141,241,441,541,641,741,921,941,981, 1041). The syringe (111,211,311, 1011) according to claim 3, wherein axial movement of said plunger (161,261,961, 1061) does not result in movement of said collar (141, 241,441,541,641, 741,921,941,981, 1041). 5. The syringe (111,211,311, 1011) according to claim 2, wherein an outer surface of said collar (141, 241,441, 541,641, 741, 921, 941, 981, 1041) has a threaded portion (143, 249, 543, 643, 1089) to engage a corresponding threaded part (129, 223, 523, 623, 1087) on an interior surface of said body (121,221,321,421,521, 621,721,821, 1021). 6. The syringe (111,211,311, 1011) according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of dose indicators (145, 246, 445, 1045) are disposed on an outer surface (142, 247, 442, 542, 642, 822, 942, 1042) of said collar (141,241,441, 541,641, 741, 921,941,981, 1041) and wherein in said body (121,221,321,421,521,621,721, 821, 1021) a window (123, 333, 1023) is preferably provided for see said plurality of dose indicators (145, 246, 445, 1045). 7. The syringe (111,211,311, 1011) according to claim 6, wherein said plunger (161, 261, 961, 1061) has a plunger rod (163, 263, 1063) and a plug (171, 271, 1071) connected to one end of said plunger rod (163, 263, 1063), said plug (171, 271, 1071) is movably arranged in said first part (122, 1022) of said body (121, 221,321,421,521,621,721, 821, 1021) and wherein preferably said plug (171, 271, 1071) and said Plunger rod (163, 263, 1063) are separately formed as a two-piece construction.